The Denver Centre Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Whale, which officially opens Jan. 19, following previews that began Jan. 13, at the Ricketson Theatre.

Tom Alan Robbins in The WhalePhoto by Terry Shapiro

The play, by Samuel D. Hunter (2011 Obie Award for A Bright New Boise), continues in a limited engagement through Feb. 19.

Directed by Hal Brooks, the cast includes Tom Alan Robbins (The Lion King) as Charlie, Angela Reed (The Country Girl) as Liz, Cory Michael Smith as Elder Thomas, Nicole Rodenburg as Ellie and Tasha Lawrence (Good People) as Mary.

The Whale, according to press notes, "is the story of Charlie who hasn’t seen his ex-wife or daughter in 17 years and has grown dangerously obese since his partner’s death. In failing health, Charlie fends off family, friends and church as he doggedly tries to connect with his estranged daughter in this touching story."

Denver Centre will also hold special event performances for The Whale. A post-show talkback as well as a pre-show dialogue with local and regional authorities will be held Jan. 22; a "Theatre & Theology" post-show talkback will be held Jan. 24; a "Fourth Wall" event with pre-show and post-show parties will be held Jan. 28 at 6:30 PM; a post-show talkback hosted by the Higher Education Advisory Council will be held Jan. 29; and an ASL interpretation/audio-described performance will be Feb. 5 at 1:30 PM.

For more information and tickets, call (303) 893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org.